International Programs

Interim Associate Vice President for Extension and International Programs
Christopher Swarat

Office/Department Websites
international.fullerton.edu
usa.fullerton.edu

Introduction

“We are a comprehensive, regional university with a global outlook.”  - Preface, University Mission Statement

International Programs coordinates the university’s commitment to internationalization. The office initiates and administers contacts with partner institutions around the world in order to foster the exchange of faculty and students and coordinate international programming. Areas include Study Abroad and Exchange, University Semester Abroad, and International Student Services.

International Students

International Programs is dedicated to promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences within our multicultural campus community and with the world at large. This includes providing information and assistance for international students admitted to Cal State Fullerton in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, for those attending non-credit programs, and for U.S. students planning to study abroad.

Incoming international students work through the university’s Admissions Office when applying for a degree program. International students may also participate in Cal State Fullerton programs through exchange, University Semester Abroad, or customized experiences coordinated by International Programs.

The staff of International Programs endeavors to provide international students with the best possible academic and personal experiences. International student services are described on the website at international.fullerton.edu.

International Admissions and Outreach

International Admissions and Outreach provides assistance with the application, enrollment and arrival process of international students through direct or conditional admission. For more information, see international.fullerton.edu/admissions. 

International Student Services

International Student Services provides information and assistance to international students attending Cal State Fullerton and exchange visitors, including research scholars and visiting professors.

Visiting Scholars

Cal State Fullerton welcomes visiting scholars, also known as exchange visitors, for stays of varying duration in order to conduct research, teach and/or consult with faculty members at the university. Information is available at international.fullerton.edu/faculty-staff/visiting-scholars.

Study Abroad Opportunities for U.S. Students

The Cal State Fullerton strategic plan advocates for student participation in “international, service learning, internship, community engagement or other innovative instructional experiences that prepare students for professional endeavors in a global society.” Study abroad is a high-impact practice clearly aligned with this goal. Outcomes of this life-changing experience include development of analytical and critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, enhanced language skills, and a better understanding of oneself and the world. Students also develop global perspectives related to their field of study that enhance academic knowledge and professional development.

Cal State Fullerton offers a variety of study abroad options:

• International Programs (“IP”) is the systemwide, yearlong study abroad program offered by the California State University
• CSUF Exchange Programs includes semesterlong study abroad experiences through bilateral agreements with partner institutions from around the world
• Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs include programs ranging in length from one week to one semester facilitated by CSUF faculty
• Independent Study Abroad

Students are advised to start the planning process for their study abroad experience as early as possible and are invited to contact the Study Abroad office for information and advisement. Careful planning will result in selection of the best program for the student and minimize any potential difficulties with transfer credit or financial aid. Call 657-278-2787 to schedule an appointment with a study abroad adviser. Students can also sign up for information sessions about specific programs, or visit international.fullerton/study-abroad.

CSU International Programs

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of the CSU. Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 20,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option. 

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or study center abroad. CSU IP serves the needs of students in more than 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 50 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, CSU IP also offers a wide selection of study abroad destinations and learning environments.

AUSTRALIA - Griffith University, Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Western Sydney University 

CANADA - Concordia University 

CHILE - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile 

CHINA - Peking University (Beijing) 

DENMARK - Danish Institute for Study Abroad 

FRANCE - Institut Catholique de Paris, Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris, Université d’Aix-Marseille (Aix-en-Provence), Université de Cergy-Pontoise, Universités de Paris I, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée, Université d’Evry Val d’Essonne, and Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines 

GERMANY - University of Tübingen and a number of institutions of higher education in the Federal state of Baden- Württemberg 

GHANA - University of Ghana 

ISRAEL - University of Haifa 

ITALY - CSU Florence Study Center, Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze 

JAPAN - Waseda University, University of Tsukuba 

MEXICO - Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro 

SOUTH AFRICA - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 

SOUTH KOREA - Yonsei University 

SPAIN - Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Granada, Universidad de Jaén 

SWEDEN - Uppsala University 

TAIWAN - National Taiwan University

UNITED KINGDOM - University of Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Hull, Kingston University, Swansea University 

Students participating in CSU IP pay CSU tuition and program fees, and are responsible for airfare, accommodations, meals and other personal expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students and limited scholarship opportunities are also available. All programs require students to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing; many programs are open to sophomores or graduate students. California Community College transfer students are eligible to apply (to select programs) directly from their community colleges. Students must possess a current cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program, and must fulfill all coursework prerequisites. Additional program information and application instructions can be found on our website at calstate.edu/ip.

CSUF Exchange Programs

Cal State Fullerton has bilateral exchange agreements with several international university partners. The cost of participation varies from country to country, but generally includes Cal State Fullerton fees, housing, meals, transportation and incidental expenses. Costs often are comparable to studying at Cal State Fullerton while living in a nearby apartment. Students who qualify for financial aid may apply it to exchange program costs. No overseas tuition is charged; students pay regular CSUF campus fees, plus international transportation, living and related expenses. Semester and summer programs are available.

Academic advising before departure is essential. Admission requirements and application deadlines vary depending on the program. More information is available at international.fullerton/study-abroad.

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs include programs ranging in length from one week to one semester facilitated by CSUF faculty. Interested students are encouraged to review department and college websites and contact the Study Abroad Office for additional information about upcoming programs.

Independent Study Abroad

Students may also consider participation in a program run by a private organization or another university. Academic credit transfer and financial aid can be arranged in advance through completion of a non-CSUF Study Abroad Program Application, which is available at international.fullerton/study-abroad.

International Agreements

Cal State Fullerton fosters a global outlook by establishing and maintaining official relationships with universities abroad. A list of active agreements is available upon request by contacting International Programs at 657-278-2787.

University Semester Abroad

International students who want to study at an American university for a semester or a year can enroll in University Semester Abroad and take credit-bearing courses that transfer to their home university. USA staff work closely with students and their home institutions to help guide course selection and enrollment.